Regular cervical screening is an important part of maintaining cervical health. A Cervical Screening Test (CST) looks for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can increase the risk of cervical cell changes over time. If HPV is detected, your doctor can recommend appropriate follow-up where required, often before any symptoms develop.
Whether you’re attending your first Cervical Screening Test, returning for routine screening or have questions about your cervical health, your GP can explain the process, discuss any concerns and help you understand what to expect before the examination.
At South Melbourne Medical Hub, we provide cervical screening in Melbourne as part of our comprehensive women’s health services, with care based on your individual health needs.
Who Should Get Cervical Screening?
In Australia, cervical screening is generally recommended for people with a cervix aged between 25 and 74 years who have ever been sexually active. For most people, screening is recommended every five years if previous results have been normal.
If you’re unsure when your next screening is due, your GP can review your screening history and advise you accordingly.
What Can You Expect During the Test?
If you’ve never had a Cervical Screening Test before, or it’s been several years since your last one, it’s natural to have questions about the procedure.
There are two ways to complete a cervical screening test, self-collection or by a GP.
Self-collection involves taking your own vaginal sample using a small swab.
Your GP or healthcare provider will explain how to take the sample and provide you with a private space to complete the test.
Unlike a GP-collected sample, the swab collects cells from the vagina rather than the cervix, so a speculum examination isn’t required.
Sometimes patients prefer having a GP conduct the screening. The test is usually completed during a standard consultation and generally takes only a few minutes. During the examination, your GP will gently insert a speculum so the cervix can be seen before using a swab to collect a sample from the cervix. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Self-collected and healthcare provider-collected samples are equally accurate and safe for detecting HPV. Both cervical screening options are available at South Melbourne Medical Hub.
What happens after self-collection?
Once your sample has been analysed, your GP will explain your results and discuss any follow-up, if required.
If HPV is detected, it does not mean you have cervical cancer. HPV is very common, and in many people the infection clears naturally over time. Depending on your results, your GP may recommend repeat screening after a period of time or discuss whether further assessment is appropriate.
Your doctor will explain what your results mean and answer any questions you may have about the recommended follow-up.
What to Do Before Your Appointment
There’s very little you need to do before a Cervical Screening Test. If possible, you can book your appointment when you are not having your menstrual period, as this can make it easier to obtain a suitable sample.
If you’re pregnant, have previously undergone treatment involving your cervix, or have questions about the test, let your GP know before the examination. Your appointment is an opportunity to discuss your cervical health, understand your screening schedule and receive advice based on your individual circumstances.
If you are looking for cervical screening in South Melbourne, your GP can discuss the test, explain the process and answer any questions you may have as part of your consultation.
Looking to Book a Cervical Screening Test?
If you’re due for your routine Cervical Screening Test or have questions about cervical screening, your GP can discuss the process, answer your questions and advise whether screening is appropriate based on your age, medical history and previous screening results.
To book an appointment for cervical screening in South Melbourne, contact South Melbourne Medical Hub or book online at a time that’s convenient for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The Cervical Screening Test replaced the Pap smear as part of Australia’s National Cervical Screening Program. While the sample is collected in a similar way, the Cervical Screening Test looks for HPV, which is responsible for most cases of cervical cancer.
Everyone’s experience is different. Some people experience mild discomfort or pressure during the examination, while others find the procedure straightforward. If you have concerns before the appointment, your GP can explain the procedure and discuss any questions you may have.
Yes. The HPV vaccine protects against many high-risk types of HPV but does not protect against every type. Regular cervical screening remains an important part of monitoring your cervical health.
For most eligible people, cervical screening is recommended every five years following a normal result. Your GP will advise if a different screening interval is appropriate based on your medical history or previous screening results.
A sample may be more difficult to collect during a menstrual period. If possible, it’s generally recommended to schedule your appointment for another time. If you’re unsure whether to keep your appointment, please contact the clinic for advice.
Yes. Cervical screening is designed for people who do not have symptoms. It helps identify HPV before it causes changes to the cells of the cervix. If you are experiencing symptoms such as unusual bleeding, pelvic pain or unusual vaginal discharge, it’s important to see your GP for an assessment rather than waiting for your next routine screening.
Yes. If you’ve ever been sexually active and have a cervix, regular cervical screening is generally recommended until the age of 74, even if you are no longer sexually active. Your GP can advise you based on your individual circumstances.
Yes. If you’re aged between 25 and 74 and have a cervix, routine cervical screening is still recommended, including after menopause. Your GP can advise whether you’re due for screening and discuss any questions you may have.
Doctors at the South Melbourne Medical Hub location bring high-quality, inclusive, accessible, and affordable GP services to the heart of South Melbourne.
The experienced and caring doctors have the expertise to manage physical and psychological conditions, disorders, and injuries, prescribe medications and treatment to promote and restore your best health.
The clinicians treat a broad range of conditions including but not limited to chronic disease management, women’s health, men’s health, mental health, and sexual and reproductive health. Please refer to each clinician’s bio for more information on their special interests.
As advocates of preventive healthcare, the clinicians are highly skilled to prevent illness and encourage good health.
Services offered by the Doctors consulting at South Melbourne Medical Hub Premises
The services offered by the GPs include:
- Referrals to specialist health professionals
- Chronic disease management
- Medicals and health check-ups
- Health, nutrition, and dietary advice
- Diabetes management
- Mental health services
- Sexual health
- LGBTIQ+ health
- Preventive healthcare
- Cancer screenings
- Pain management
- Women’s health
- Family planning
- Men’s health
Additional Benefits of seeing a GP at the South Melbourne Medical Hub
The location of the South Melbourne Medical Hub, located within South Melbourne Central, offers convenient parking, accessible access and a modern, fresh waiting room environment. The Doctors practicing at this location offer quality treatment, consultation, and preventive care.
Some of the benefits to visiting a GP at this facility include:
Experienced General Practitioners
The general practitioners are experienced and equipped to manage various medical presentations and conditions. They offer thorough consultations, health and wellbeing education, preventative advice, as well as guidance through treatment options.
Comprehensive Services
The range of special interests encompass not only the physical well-being of patients but also their mental health and preventive care. From vaccinations and chronic disease management to mental health services and more, the Doctors provide comprehensive care for the overall well-being of patients, hailing every treatment and service as vital.
If you are looking for a GP clinic near you, we invite you to visit us. South Melbourne Medical Hub is conveniently located at Level 1, 111 on Cecil Street, South Melbourne is easily accessible by local patients as well as those from nearby locations like Melbourne, Port Melbourne, Albert Park and Southbank. To schedule an appointment, you can call us on 03 9284 3400 or opt for an online GP booking via our website.